Pet Grooming Orange County

Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

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If you have or have known an elderly cat, you will know that they make excellent companions. Unfortunately, with age comes some additional health concerns. Kidney disease affects 3 out of every 10 geriatic cats. It is important to recognize the signs of chronic kidney disease early in order to best help your beloved feline friend.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Your kitty’s kidneys perform the same functions that ours do: remove waste from the bloodstream, balance various minerals, and conserve water. They are integral to the production of healthy urine. Therefore, kidney disease can lead to a buildup of unwanted waste in the body. Chronic kidney disease refers to prolonged renal failure over the course of several months or even years.

How Can I Detect It?

The first signs of chronic kidney disease are extremely subtle. Usually, a cat in the earliest stages will experience increased thirst and urination. If you use clumping litter, look for large clumps. This indicates that your cat is expelling more urine at a single time. Early kidney disease may also manifest in a slight loss of weight. You may also notice some behavioral changes such as extra sleeping, appearing weak or indifferent, and less grooming. As a result, kitties with chronic kidney disease usually appear more unkempt.

As renal function continues to weaken, signs become a bit more obvious. Water consumption and frequent/heavy urination will increase, with a possibility for bloody or cloudy urine. Cats with kidney disease may experience digestive problems such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Their coat will likely feel dry to the touch. In some cases, cats may have particularly bad breath or discoloration of the mouth.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you notice your cat exhibiting these signs, a vet visit is in order. Keep in mind that kidney disease can also be detected at regular check ups, so it is always a good idea to schedule these for your elderly cat. Diagnosis usually starts with blood and urine tests. These may be followed by a variety of tests, including ultrasounds and X-rays. If your vet finds kidney disease, they can help you decide on the best treatment for your specific case.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, but there are ways to manage it. This usually includes some level of diet modification. Therapeutic diets include lower levels of phosphorus and sodium, with increased fiber and water-soluble vitamins. However, because cats are rather finicky about their food, make sure to transition their diet gradually. Cats with chronic kidney disease should also be drinking lots of water to expel waste buildup. Some owners find water fountains or other innovative drinking receptacles helpful. Finally, in some cases, your vet may prescribe antibiotics or other medications.

 Claws N Paws Day Spa has your pet’s best interests in mind. Located in sunny Fountain Valley, California, we provide high-quality professional dog and cat grooming for your best furry friend. Contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location for more information or to make an appointment.

What to Do If Your Dog Is a Picky Eater

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We tend to think of dogs as robust animals that are always looking forward to their next meal. However, this is not always the case. Some dogs are or may become picky eaters, leading to complications for their human companions. There are a few ways to ensure that your fussy eater gets the nutrition they need.

Limit Table Scraps and Treats

Most dogs love when humans give them food outside of mealtimes. Unfortunately, these extra snacks can lead to unhealthy eating habits. Dogs that know they will receive more exciting food will often avoid their meals. Ultimately, this leads to a diet lacking the proper nutrients that dogs need. Occasional treats are okay, but make sure to research before giving your dog table scraps. Oftentimes human food is toxic to dogs and can lead to major health problems on top of undesirable eating habits.

Practice Routine

Dogs benefit from eating at the same time every day. Without a consistent schedule, they may eat excessively on some days and very little on others. Try to figure out a routine that works for both you and your dog. To ensure that your dog understands the boundaries of mealtime, remove their food dish thirty minutes after filling it regardless of whether or not they have eaten. A healthy dog will learn to eat all of their food within that time frame.

Reevaluate Your Food Choice

Some dog foods are better than others. If your dog is refusing to eat something, it may be a sign that the food is making them feel sick. Research dog foods before purchasing.

If you decide to switch your dog’s food, understand that a sudden transition may lead to further problems. Mix some of the old dry food into the new to create a more gradual transition. If you are switching from a wet food to a dry food, try wetting the dry food with a little bit of warm water.

Relieve External Stress

Your dog may not be eating their food due to external stresses. These may include general feelings of discontent such as loneliness or boredom, or there could be a specific source of stress such as relocation or a loud environment. Assess and reduce external stress to create a more comfortable environment for your dog’s regular functioning.

Schedule a Vet Visit

Picky eating may be accompanied by fatigue, weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea. It may be symptomatic of a more serious condition that requires treatment. If your dog is acting out of the ordinary and their picky eating cannot be helped, schedule a visit to your trusted veterinary professional.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional grooming services to your beloved furry friends. Contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley, California for more information.

Why You Should Never Declaw Your Cat

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In July 2019, New York became the first state to ban feline declawing. Throughout the United States, one question emerged: what is so bad about declawing a cat? The procedure may appear like a manicure, but there is a reason why many veterinarians deem declawing inhumane.

Why Do People Declaw?

Scratching is a habit that many cats develop at some point in their lives. They may scratch up furniture or even their human companions, leading to frustrations at home. Some cat owners may see declawing as a quick and easy solution to an expensive problem. However, many are unaware of exactly how invasive and painful the process actually is.

The Declawing Process and Its Effects

Declawing does more than simply remove the claws. Part of a cat’s bone must be amputated in order to ensure that the external nail will not grow back. Cutting off this section is the equivalent of amputating a human finger at the first knuckle. This can cause chronic pain that continues far past the initial surgery.

Additionally, a declawed cat’s paw does not touch the ground at the same angle as a free-clawed cat’s. The cat will have to relearn how to walk, and they will never be able to quite match the comfort and grace they once enjoyed.

Cats that have been declawed are also known to exhibit changed behavior. Instead of scratching, they may choose to bite. Biting is oftentimes more dangerous as bacteria in the mouth can lead to infected bite wounds. Additionally, declawed cats are known to become more antisocial or anxious.

Alternatives to Declawing

Although declawing is still legal in 49 states, it should be avoided at all costs. There are several humane alternatives that will still limit scratching damages. Your best alternative solution depends on the reason why your cat has taken up scratching.

Untrimmed nails. Cats with untrimmed nails may try to remove the dead outer layer by scratching at furniture or other textured surfaces. To avoid this, nails should be kept short. They can be trimmed either at home or at a professional grooming salon.

Boredom. Some cats scratch at humans or objects because they lack stimulation. Invest in a scratching post, or lay out some toys that your cat will enjoy.

Feeling threatened. A cat that feels unsafe in any way may resort to scratching their human companions. Analyze points of stress in your cat’s life. If there are children in the home, speak to them about proper handling and your cat’s specific boundaries.

Regardless of the reason, your cat will benefit from having a scratching post. It provides a way for them to keep their nails clean and bodies exercised. If the problem persists, consider nail caps. These allow the cat to scratch but limit any resulting damage.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Fountain Valley, California provides professional grooming services with your pet’s best interest in mind. Visit our location or contact us at 714-962-1005 for any inquiries.

Toxic Algae and Its Threat to Dogs

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Many dogs enjoy swimming as a way to exercise and cool off. However, recent news about toxic algae has left dog owners across the United States concerned. When the weather is hot, it is extremely important for all dog owners to understand the dangers of swimming in unfiltered water.

Wilmington, North Carolina

Two dog parents in North Carolina took their three furry friends to the lake for a playdate. However, after just fifteen minutes of leaving the lake, one dog began to experience seizures. All three of the dogs passed away that night. Vets attributed these deaths to blue-green algae poisoning.

The Culprit

Algae is common and natural in water, but some blooms are much more harmful than others. Also called cyanobacteria, blue-green algae can be extremely difficult or even impossible to spot. Look out for water that is blue-green or even light green in coloration. These colors may appear as though painted onto the surface of the water. Algal blooms may also pile up on the side of the water, making them easily accessible to animals drinking from a body of water. The affected water often has a bad odor.

Blue-green algae has appeared in all 50 of the United States of America. It can be found in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, estuaries, and other fresh and marine water environments. Even a home swimming pool left unsanitized can foster harmful algal blooms. Blue-green algae poisoning is most commonly reported in the mid- to late-summer months. This is because the water is warm, stagnant, and rich with nutrients such as phosphorus.

Blue-Green Algae Poisoning

Dogs can become poisoned from ingesting cyanobacteria. They may drink it directly from a body of water or lick it off of their own fur or paws following a swim. Symptoms vary widely, including seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, blue discoloration of the skin, and shock. There is no cure, and most dogs that ingest blue-green algae die anywhere from minutes to days after exposure. Keep in mind that this ailment is not limited to dogs; it can occur in humans and other animals as well.

How to Avoid

Although there are some signs that cyanobacteria may have infiltrated a body of water, it is best to avoid taking your dog swimming in lakes or rivers. Always keep your dog on a leash to avoid them drinking from unknown water sources. Keep home swimming pools properly sanitized.

It is also important not to panic. Though it is a serious threat, blue-green algae is fairly rare.

What to Do in the Case of Exposure

If you think your dog has been exposed to blue-green algae, immediate veterinary care may be necessary. Contact the 24-hour Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for further information.

Claws N Paws Day Spa in Orange County, California offers professional grooming services to dogs and cats. Visit our location in Fountain Valley or contact us at 714-962-1005 for more information about our various services.

Safe and Gentle Ear Care for Cats

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Cats’ ears may not look like much, but they are immensely important to the animal’s wellbeing and survival. They are also extremely fragile. Many cats suffer from irreversible damage due to over-the-counter ear cleaning products and uneducated practice. Therefore, professional ear cleaning is a must for every cat.

An Important and Complicated Ear

Feline ears are extremely complex and serve a variety of advanced functions. They can hear sounds nearly two octaves higher than humans, with a much wider range of detection. Have you ever noticed your cat’s ears rotating? They do so in order to decipher the exact location of a sound. Furthermore, the feline ear grants cats the grace and balance that we have always associated with cats. This is due to fluid-filled canals in the inner ear that create an equilibrium. A cat with functional ears should always land on their feet.

Conditions That Require a Vet Visit

Cats may develop more clinical ear conditions. Infections are fairly uncommon, but they still occur. They are more prevalent in breeds such as Persians and Himalayans where the ears, nose, and throat are in very close proximity. Your vet can provide a diagnosis and recommend medication for ear infections.

Cats may also develop ear mites, which are parasites that live inside an animal’s ear and feed on tissue. Their waste appears as a scattering of small dark spots inside the ear. Waste may be cleaned safely and gently, but a vet visit is necessary to get rid of living mites.

Cleaning and Sensitivity

Cats do have a self-cleaning mechanism, but wax and debris will continue to build up over time. Occasional ear cleanings are necessary, but they must be done in a safe and gentle manner. Preferably, this would be done by a professional groomer.

Because cats’ ears are so complex, they are susceptible to damage during cleaning. You can flush out a dog’s ear, but “flushing out” a cat’s ear with water can lead to irreversible harm. It may drain out some of the cat’s beneficial fluids. Ultimately, this can lead to worsened balance and/or permanent head tilt.

Many ear cleaning products on the market do not take feline sensitivity into account. They may contain ingredients such as tea tree oil, alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, or essential oils. All of these ingredients are extremely toxic to cats.

Zymox Ear Solution

Zymox provides non-toxic and non-invasive ear cleaning products for both cats and dogs. Its natural ingredients provide both maintenance and protection of clean and healthy ears. Zymox products do not contain harsh chemicals, leaving your furry friend’s delicate ears looking and smelling fresh. Claws N Paws Day Spa proudly uses Zymox Ear Solution to clean both cats’ and dogs’ ears.

Claws N Paws Day Spa owns and operates a full-service grooming salon in Fountain Valley, California. For more information about these services, including safe and gentle ear cleanings, visit out location or contact us at 714-962-1005.

Why You Should Vaccinate Your Cat for Rabies

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California is one of twenty-three states that does not require a rabies vaccination for cats. This means that, unlike with dogs, it is entirely up to a cat’s owner to decide whether or not to vaccinate. Here is why it is always a good idea to vaccinate your cat for rabies.

A Serious Threat

Although it is rare, rabies is extremely dangerous. Once an animal is bitten, the disease is almost one-hundred percent fatal. It can take anywhere from ten days to a year for symptoms to arise following a bite. Rabies does not currently have a known cure and can only be diagnosed in deceased animals. In the United States, cats contract rabies more than any other domestic species.

An unvaccinated cat that has been potentially exposed to rabies must be either euthanized or strictly quarantined for several months. Meanwhile, a vaccinated cat that has been exposed is simply recommended a booster vaccination in the thirty days following a bite. Talk to your vet if you think your cat may already have been exposed to rabies.

Benefits of the Rabies Vaccine

Simply because the vaccine is not required does not mean that it is not preferred. Most veterinary organizations heavily recommend the vaccine, and many facilities will not accept cats into their care if they have not received it.

Owners of indoor-only cats may feel that their cat is protected from rabies. This is mostly true. However, many cats are tricky and unpredictable. It only takes an open window for your cat to escape. When they return, there is no way to know what other critters they may have come across on their adventure. A variety of wandering animals carry rabies, including foxes, raccoons, and other community cats and dogs. Even a brief departure from the home can be fatal to an unvaccinated cat.

Owners of cats that go outdoors should always stay up-to-date on rabies vaccines and boosters. However, the most effective way to prevent against rabies and other viral diseases is to keep your cat indoors.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional grooming services for both dogs and cats. Contact us at 714-962-1005 or visit our location in Fountain Valley, California for more information.